Martha Ingram & family

$5.95 B

Ranked #668 in World

About Martha Ingram & family

Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram, an esteemed American billionaire and philanthropist, born on August 20, 1935, leads Ingram Industries as chairman and CEO since 1995. A Vassar College history graduate, Ingram shaped the Nashville performing arts scene and authored significant biographies. Her philanthropic legacy includes co-founding the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and substantial contributions to Vanderbilt University. With accolades like the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award and recognitions across business and music, Ingram's influence spans culture and education in Tennessee.

Born

August 20, 1935 in Charleston, South Carolina, US

Age

90 years

Source Of Wealth

Book Distribution, Transportation

Industries

Media & Entertainment

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Nashville, Tennessee

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Vassar College

Spouse

E. Bronson Ingram (Married: 1958; died 1995)

Children

4, including Orrin H. Ingram II John R. Ingram David Bronson Ingram

Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram was born on August 20, 1935, in Charleston, South Carolina. Her parents were John Minott Rivers and Martha Elizabeth Robinson. She received her early education at Ashley Hall in Charleston and later graduated from Vassar College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in history.

Martha Ingram & family: Family

Martha Ingram married E. Bronson Ingram II on October 4, 1958. Her husband was the son of business magnate Orrin Henry Ingram, Sr. Together, they had four children: Orrin H. Ingram II, John R. Ingram, David Bronson Ingram, and Robin Ingram Patton.

Martha Ingram & family: Career Highlights

Martha Ingram began her career working at WCSC-AM/FM and WCSC-TV, radio and television stations owned by her father. In 1979, she was appointed by her husband as director of public affairs at Ingram Industries. Following her husband's death in 1995, she succeeded him as chairman and CEO of Ingram Industries.

In addition to her business career, Martha Ingram is also a co-author of three books. She published a biography of her husband in 2001, a history of the performing arts in Nashville during the Antebellum era in 2004, and a biography of Kenneth Schermerhorn, the music director of the Nashville Symphony, in 2006.

Martha Ingram & family: Companies

Martha Ingram is the chairman and CEO of Ingram Industries, a diversified holding company with interests in transportation, media, and technology. The company was founded by her father-in-law, Orrin Henry Ingram, Sr., in 1946.

Martha Ingram & family: Major Achievements

Martha Ingram has made significant contributions to the business and cultural communities of Nashville, Tennessee. She is the co-founder of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, which opened in 2005, and served as the former Chairman of the Board of Trust of Vanderbilt University. She also donated $300 million of Ingram company stock to the Vanderbilt Blair School of Music.

Martha Ingram & family: Awards & Achievements

Martha Ingram has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to business and philanthropy.

Some of her notable awards include:

1999: South Carolina Business Hall of Fame
1999: Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame
2004: Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement
2017: Music City Walk of Fame

Martha Ingram & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Martha Ingram is a prominent figure in the Nashville community and is known for her philanthropy and support of the arts. She is also a dedicated family woman and has been married to her husband, E. Bronson Ingram II, for over 60 years.

Martha Ingram & family: Trivia

Martha Ingram was named as the 50th most generous philanthropist by Business Week for donations from 2000 to 2004. She was also honored by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with the 13th Annual Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award in 2006 and received the Eli & Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts.

Wealth History

Timeline

August 20, 1935

Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram is born in Charleston, South Carolina.

1957

Martha graduates from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts in history.

October 4, 1958

Martha marries E. Bronson Ingram II, son of business magnate Orrin Henry Ingram, Sr.

1979

Martha is appointed by her husband as director of public affairs at Ingram Industries.

1995

Martha becomes chairman and CEO of Ingram Industries after her husband's death.

2001

Martha co-authors a biography of her husband.

2004

Martha co-authors a history of the performing arts in Nashville during the Antebellum era.

2005

Martha co-founds the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

2006

Martha co-authors a biography of Kenneth Schermerhorn, the music director of the Nashville Symphony.

2015

Martha donates to Democratic candidate Megan Barry's campaign for Mayor of Nashville.

2017

Martha is inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame.

Martha Ingram & family : FAQs

What is Martha Ingram's current net worth?

Martha Ingram's current net worth is $5.95 billion.

What is Martha Ingram's current global rank among billionaires?

Martha Ingram holds the 668th position globally among billionaires.

What is Martha Ingram's current ranking within the United States?

Martha Ingram holds the 251st position in United States.

What was the change in Martha Ingram's net worth compared to the previous year?

Martha Ingram's net worth increased by 118.4 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 5.83 billion dollars.

What are Martha Ingram's main sources of wealth?

Martha Ingram's main source of income comes from Book Distribution, Transportation.

In which industry does Martha Ingram primarily operate?

Martha Ingram is primarily involved in the Media & Entertainment industry.

What is Martha Ingram educational background?

Martha Ingram holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Vassar College.

How old is Martha Ingram?

Martha Ingram is 90 years old.

How many children does Martha Ingram have?

Martha Ingram has 4 children.

Who is Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram and when was she born?

Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram is an American billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, born on August 20, 1935, in Charleston, South Carolina.

What is Martha Ingram's role in Ingram Industries and her contribution to literature?

Martha Ingram succeeded her late husband as chairman and CEO of Ingram Industries in 1995, and has co-authored three books including two biographies and a historical account of the performing arts in Nashville.

How did Martha Ingram begin her career, and what led her to leadership at Ingram Industries?

Martha Ingram's career began at her father's radio and television stations, WCSC-AM/FM and WCSC-TV. She became director of public affairs at Ingram Industries in 1979 and rose to chairman and CEO after her husband's death in 1995.

Can you detail Martha Ingram's philanthropic efforts and recognition in arts and education?

Martha Ingram is a philanthropic force, co-founding the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and extensively supporting Vanderbilt University's music school with $300 million worth of Ingram company stock. Her philanthropy earned her the recognition of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award and the Eli & Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts.

What accolades has Martha Ingram received, and who are her family members involved in the family business?

Martha Ingram has been inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame and the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame. Her family plays a significant role in Ingram businesses, with her sons Orrin H. Ingram II, John R. Ingram, and David Bronson Ingram holding leadership positions in various Ingram enterprises.